Doing What You Do Well
by Gail Rodgers
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Our faith walk is not a casual stroll through the flower garden under blue skies. Oh, we often wish it were and complain to God when it’s not. Yet He was clear when He told us to “stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:11, 13).
Temptation often comes subtly even on the heels of an exceptional spiritual experience. Jesus experienced that just after He had been baptized and felt the favor of God the Father when He spoke from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Then came the enemy of His soul to tempt Him. All three of the things the Devil put before Jesus were things that He was perfectly capable of doing in His role as Son of God. (See Matthew 4.)
He was totally able to turn stones to bread.
He was capable of throwing himself off the mountain and not being hurt.
He knew the kingdoms of the world would one day all bow to Him.
Jesus knew that to do these things without the word of the Father would be to put a wedge in His relationship with God. He was very clear in that He only spoke and did what the Father told Him to. “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me” (John 8:27b). To do anything more or anything less would interrupt His fellowship with God.
Could it be that we sometimes unwittingly find ourselves in the midst of chaos, discontentment or confusion because we have stepped into the temptation to do something we are perfectly capable of… yet without the word of the Father to go ahead?
Could it be that we let our busy lifestyles keep us from the quiet times we need to listen to the voice of our Father and inquire of Him as to what He wants us to do?
For many Christians the restlessness and disquiet of our souls may well be the subtle battle strategy of the enemy of our soul. Doing what we do well, without the word and blessing of the Father, will leave us weary and with a wedge in our friendship with Him. Our spiritual energy will be depleted.
Spiritual battle doesn’t always look like we imagine. When you feel the wedge in your friendship with your Savior, move quickly to your prayer closet and spend time hearing again the voice of the Father through His Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father God, Increase my hunger and thirst for time in Your presence. May I hear Your voice clearly. Keep me from the temptation to do what I do well without asking Your guidance first. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Questions to Ponder and Discuss: Can you think of a time you acted in your own strength, without looking to the Lord? How did He correct you? When you’re busy, how do you carve out time to listen to the Father? How will we know if we’ve received the go-ahead from God to proceed with an endeavor?
Today’s Chat: Join us for a 15-minute chat about this devotional at 10:30 am Eastern, 7:30 am Pacific: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat/
Quote of the Day: “Maintaining an attitude and lifestyle of thankfulness, worship, obedience, confession, service, and love, will be our best defense against the wiles of the devil” ~ Carol Van Atta. Read the article: http://christianwomentoday.com/growth/warfare.html
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/
4 Responses to “Doing What You Do Well”
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Oh Father,
The devotional today pricked my heart. I confess that too often I travel each day on remote control, devoid of Your charging Spiritual renewal. Thank You Lord for the truth I heard in this Devotional For Women. I humbly confess that I have been guilty of allowing the routine of life fill up my time. Help me Abba through the power of Your Holy Spirit to devote my gays and work to You, for Your honor and glory. Thank You Jesus for this daily resource from Truth Media and for Gail Rodgers soft heart toward You.
In Jesus’ Precious Name,
Amen
Some days for me are so hard to advoid temptation, and listen to what HE is telling me.
I pray that HE will show me his way every minute of every day to follow Jesus’ exsample and not give into temptation. May his will be done not mine. AMEN
how do we know if God is telling us to go ahead or not? (e.g. if we want to marry someone who loves God, how do we know if God approves or not?)
krissy,
I believe the question is not: how to know if God approves of you marrying someone who loves God whom you want to, but if God approves of you marrying who He has chosen for you. You cannot spend ENOUGH time in prayer about this. I pray that He helps you discern His path for you, and in His special timing.
Many blessings!